Fiat 600 Hybrid - it doesn't always have to be electric
Fiat electrically need not always be, thinks Fiat and offers a hybrid variant of the 600 instead. ntv.de was on the road with the economical twin-motor.
Fiat has been on the road with the number 600 for a while, once again. It's interesting that the over 30 centimeter longer 600 of the Fifties came two years earlier (1955) than the sub-three meter long 500. But it was the 1957 reissue New 500 that became an icon and not the larger 600.
Unlike before, Fiat came up with the idea of a new version of the 600 as a mature variant quite late, namely only last year as a purely electric variant. And it has little in common with the current 500, as it is based on the original PSA platform, like the Opel Mokka or Peugeot 2008. But that shouldn't matter to the consumer at all. What matters is that the new Seicento, as the Italians call it, is stylistically a typical Fiat. And that's definitely the case with its childlike face and the rear light optics of the 500, to emphasize the relationship.
And yet, the 600 has something of an SUV with its height of 1.53 meters. With a length of 4.17 meters, however, the Italian counts as a small car and undercuts the 500X, which has meanwhile disappeared from the brand website. You notice this when entering, as instead of cramped seating arrangements, you sit more like a tailor-made suit. You don't feel squished anymore.
Moreover, the 600 stands out with a cool interior. The instrument cluster is indeed digital, and in addition, there is a 10.25-inch monitor in the middle - standard for all models. In the central console, passengers find an storage compartment in front, which is closed with a stylish-looking Venetian blind. It looks extravagant.
The Fiat 600 has a bit of pep
And what the front-wheel-driver offers as furniture is in order. Yes, one could discuss whether the seats are a bit too soft or slippery. But the discussion is about a budget car, and a little bit of comfort is included. In addition, the surfaces look peppy with the sewn Fiat lettering.
Fiat might want to refine the menus on the monitor a bit, which can sometimes be confusing. But the steering of the climate control with classical pressure buttons is a blessing. Many manufacturers burden their passengers with cumbersome menu navigation. Point for the Italian!
Ready for a test drive? Basically, the newly added powertrain is no magic trick, consisting of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 100 PS in this case (136 PS is also available at extra cost) plus 29 PS electric, integrated into a six-speed double-clutch transmission. You save fuel here, as the gasoline engine is deactivated at times when the Fiat is still rolling. By the way, you should manage with five liters according to WLTP.
The creeping also happens quietly and the parking maneuvers are successful. And when the gasoline engine then springs back due to energy shortage (the 48-volt system does not contain a large battery), it happens rather unspectacularly, armless. The switching is also mostly trouble-free, although you feel something happening under the hood depending on the load situation. Completely harmless and okay.
Space offering goes in order
A rocket weighing 1.3 tons is not exactly small, but neither is it completely apathetic in behavior. It manages a sprint of approximately 100 km/h in around eleven seconds, if the clientele is even interested. And its top speed is slightly over 180 km/h. You don't have to pretend, a 600 should primarily be used on shorter stretches.
However, the question arises as to whether four people can travel long distances in it. Many families would be denied the privilege of a large car. The passenger in the back doesn't suffer unduly, provided they're not traveling with giants. However, you can't exactly throw the luggage around - with a capacity of 385 liters, that's it. If you fold down the rear seat, the rear compartment expands to almost 1300 liters. A small car, indeed.
But there's an Italian version available from 24,990 Euros ex-works and even with a 1500 Euro discount during promotions (compared to the electric variant, that's over 12,000 Euros less). And the equipment is not bad, including Parking sensors, seat heating, and cruise control. A navigation system can also be added via smartphone integration. Either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay can run on the screen, what more could one want? Just for information.
Moreover, for 5000 Euros more, there's the "Prima" version with a massage function, an integrated navigation system, and even a traffic jam assistant. That means the 600 automatically accelerates and cruises comfortably through rush hour traffic when the cruise control is activated. Additionally, the tailgate can be opened and closed electrically and even without a key.
Considering how people had to squeeze into a 600 some seventy years ago and cross the Alps, the modern 600 appears as a true luxury limousine. A little luxury for families on a small budget means this model with an affordable entry price is also something to be grateful for. It's nice that such a thing exists.
Fiat also offers a hybrid variant of the 600, deviating from their usual electric focus. The hybrid 600 features a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 100 PS, along with a 29 PS electric motor, showing Fiat's diversification in car models.
Interestingly, Fiat's hybrid 600 is not exclusive to their FiatModels, sharing the same platform with popular compact SUVs such as the Opel Mokka and Peugeot 2008. This hybrid 600, known as the Seicento in Italy, brings a unique blend of style, comfort, and affordability to the hybrid car market.
